Become Your Result

There is a common underlying reason why people who have struggled with their weight for the better part of their life don't lose it.

Comfort. You are comfortable being a big girl/guy. It's your normal. 

You are used to not finding clothes at most stores. It's normal to layer-dress so that you look smoother. You've always been larger than most of your friends, so you've adjusted your personality to fit. You soapbox-preach that someone ought to love you for who you are, not what you look like. Maybe your yearly physical comes back with good levels of cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar- nothing negative besides the recommendation to lose weight form your doctor. You are the king/queen of face selfies. You focus on other areas of your life. You can blame your shortcomings on being fat.

You ignore the discomfort. 

The discomfort of sitting on an airplane with the arm rests digging into your hip bones. The discomfort of ignoring fashion trends out of habit. The snoring. Low blood sugar headaches. Swollen feet. The way spandex free clothes and wicker chairs make imprints into your flesh. Flatulence.  Being ignored/patronized in social situations. When doing anything that involved straps/belts/harnesses/suits (like rock climbing, scuba, or dressing for snow sledding) you have to get the "extension belt" or borrow the parachute sized suit that belongs to someone's 400 lb uncle. Overhearing comments about you. Hating spontaneous pictures.

The truth is, losing weight for the long term is about becoming a bit of a different person. Nutrition, exercise, motivation, and determination are very important of course. But it’s all for nothing if your prize at the end is just a trophy and not to become your result. That’s just it. You have to become your result.

Understand that you will have to adopt new habits and like them. Believe in them. Surround yourself with people (significant other, family, friends, social network connections) who support and participate in these changes. You are a caterpillar and you have to put in a lot of work to weave that cocoon! The achievement of being a butterfly is amazing! But don’t forget that butterflies don’t eat the same as caterpillars. They are more active than caterpillars. They hang out in different places… They go farther.

Step 1: Start kissing yourself goodbye. You’re going to embrace changing who you are.